Energy &Greenhouse Gases

Manufacturers are typically large consumers of energy. Like most industries, paper mills have relied on a combination of thermal and electric energy, generated by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. This process releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere and is a leading cause of climate change. Because paper is a highly disposable item, produced in vast quantities in a very resource and energy–intensive process, we believe that conserving energy, supporting emission–free energy projects and responsible forestry practices are fundamental to mitigating climate change.

In addition to supporting renewable energy, Mohawk commits significant resources to minimize harmful emissions from our mills. State-of-the-art steam plants have been installed to greatly reduce the amount of air pollutants, and air emissions have been capped at a level that will remain set regardless of production increases. We also conserve energy throughout our organization and participate in state-sponsored energy research and conservation programs. The results of these savings have been dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that have earned Mohawk a reputation for environmental leadership.

Every paper manufactured by Mohawk carries the “Mohawk windpower” designation. This means all of the electricity used in Mohawk’s manufacturing is matched with RECs from Green-e certified windpower projects. This means all of the electricity used to manufacture Mohawk papers is matched with RECs from Green-e certified windpower projects. Today Mohawk purchases enough RECs to match 100% of the electricity we purchase from renewable energy market leaders. These RECs yield emission reduction benefits equal to more than 120 million miles NOT driven by passenger cars in one year, or planting a 12,000 acre forest.

Mohawk offers a number of products that are made carbon neutral within our production processes. After purchasing RECs to match 100% of the electricity used in our operations, the thermal energy used to manufacture these papers is offset with Verified Emissions Reduction credits (VERs) that fund renewable, emission-free energy projects. Through this process, Mohawk is seeking to manufacture these papers with a net zero climate impact. To read about the projects and their impacts, click here.